2009 Kia Cerato: 2008 Sydney Motor Show

Kia has brought the stylish new 2009 Cerato to the Sydney Motor Show, which we've previously reported on in its overseas guise as the Kia Forte.

Due for release early next year, the new Cerato will be the first Kia released in Australia to wear to the 'new face of Kia' - designed by Kia's global chief design officer, Peter Schreyer, who joined the manufacturer in 2006 from Volkswagen Group.

Schreyer says design is the number one influence on a new car purchase.

Yes, its looks are clearly derived from the Honda Accord Euro (to these eyes), but let's be honest: Kia has taken a proven recipe and done a very nice job with the Cerato.

Powered by a new, more efficient 2.0-litre engine with Kia's Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT), Kia says the Cerato offers class-leading power and torque with the power and responsiveness of a 2.2-litre engine without the fuel consumption of larger engines.

The new Cerato is both longer and wider than the current Cerato sedan - a common enough evolutionary path for most cars - the longer wheelbase allows for a more spacious interior with room for five occupants and a larger boot capacity.